Tourist accused of Boston pastry theft avoids jail

Tourist accused of Boston pastry theft avoids jail

BOSTON (AP) — An Irish tourist accused of wielding a knife during the theft of two cannolis from an Italian bakery in Boston has avoided jail time.

Prosecutors say 25-year-old Robert McTernan admitted Monday in court there were sufficient facts for a jury to find him guilty of larceny for robbing Bova’s Bakery in the largely Italian North End neighborhood last Thursday.

Authorities say he stole two cannolis worth about $5 while flashing a large knife.

Prosecutors agreed to reduce an armed robbery charge to larceny and offered nine months’ probation. A judge ordered him to return to Ireland, where he must perform 50 hours of community service.

Prosecutors tell the Boston Herald if he abides by the conditions the charge will be dismissed.